Social and Material Sustainability
How can material flows, food systems, and circular practices be redesigned to better serve people and the planet?
Research
The HES Lab studies sustainability, resilience, and justice in coupled natural-human systems. We work at the intersection of built, natural, and social systems — using computational and social-science methods to understand how communities and infrastructures can be made more resilient and environmentally responsible. Our current research spans smart rural communities, critical infrastructure, hazard modeling, circular economy, and food systems.
If you have questions about our work or are interested in collaboration, please reach out to jhawes@uwyo.edu.
Community and Infrastructure Resilience
Resilient and sustainable infrastructure in rural and remote areas, from supply chains to social-ecological-technological systems.
Smart Rural Places
Exploring the role of smart systems and artificial intelligence in rural places and small towns.